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NAILS / Nail Diseases and Abnormalities Signal Health Issues

Nail Diseases and Abnormalities Signal Health Issues

Nails do more than just protect the fingertips, as they can also be an indicator of your overall health. Their colour, texture, and shape often change in response to other conditions, yet these subtle differences are sometimes overlooked as minor cosmetic concerns. This blog will explore common nail abnormalities, their possible causes, and essential tips for maintaining healthy nails.

Characteristics of Healthy Nails
Healthy nails have a consistent appearance and texture, reflecting good overall health. Some key signs of healthy nails include:
- Smooth Surface
- Even Colour
- Firm and Strong
- Well-Attached Cuticles
- Consistent Growth
Any significant deviation from these characteristics could indicate an underlying issue, making it important to monitor nail health regularly.

Common Nail Abnormalities and Their Causes:

- Discolouration
Healthy nails have a pinkish hue, but changes in colour can indicate different health conditions.
Yellow Nails – Often caused by fungal infections, excessive nail polish use, or smoking. In some cases, yellowing may be linked to respiratory diseases, diabetes, or thyroid disorders.
Blue or Purple Nails – May indicate poor oxygen circulation due to conditions such as chronic lung disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon, or heart disease.
White Spots (Leukonychia) – Usually result from minor trauma to the nail but can also be associated with zinc or calcium deficiencies.
Dark Streaks or Black Lines – Could be caused by injury, but persistent dark streaks may be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, requiring urgent medical attention.
Brittle, Peeling, or Splitting Nails
Nails that break, peel, or split easily may be due to frequent exposure to water or harsh chemicals. Excessive hand washing, cleaning agents, and nail polish removers can weaken the nail structure over time. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of biotin, iron, or essential fatty acids, can also contribute to fragility. Thyroid disorders play a role as well, with hypothyroidism causing dry, brittle nails, while hyperthyroidism may lead to soft, thinning nails. In some cases, persistent brittleness may result from an underlying fungal infection affecting the nail bed.

- Ridges and Grooves
Ridges or indentations on the nail surface may be harmless, but some types indicate underlying health problems:

- Vertical Ridges – Common with ageing and usually not a concern.
Horizontal Ridges (Beau’s Lines) – Can appear due to severe illness, high fever, chemotherapy, or malnutrition, as they reflect temporary interruptions in nail growth.
Pitted Nails
Small dents or depressions in the nail surface are often linked to autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Psoriasis, which affects both the skin and nails, is a common cause of pitting, along with thickening and discolouration. Other conditions such as eczema and alopecia areata may also lead to similar nail changes.

- Clubbing
A condition where the nails curve downward and the fingertips appear swollen may suggest an underlying health issue. Chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, or cystic fibrosis, are common causes. Heart conditions, including congenital heart defects and heart failure, can also lead to clubbing. In some cases, digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease or liver cirrhosis may contribute to this abnormality.

- Spoon-Shaped Nails (Koilonychia)
Nails that become thin and concave, taking on a spoon-like shape, are often associated with iron deficiency anaemia. This condition can cause fatigue and pale skin in addition to nail changes. Liver disorders such as hemochromatosis, a condition where the body absorbs too much iron, may also lead to spoon-shaped nails.

- Thickened or Deformed Nails
Nail thickening or distortion can be linked to infections or chronic health conditions. Fungal infections are a common cause, often leading to discolouration, roughness, and crumbling edges. Psoriasis can also affect the nails, resulting in thickening, rough texture, and lifting from the nail bed. Circulatory disorders, such as peripheral artery disease, may contribute to changes in nail thickness due to reduced blood flow to the extremities.

Types of Nail Infections
- Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis)
Fungal infections are among the most common nail conditions, often affecting toenails more than fingernails.
- Bacterial Nail Infections (Paronychia)
Bacterial infections typically develop around the edges of the nail, leading to redness, swelling, pain, and pus formation. These infections often occur after minor injuries, such as nail biting, aggressive manicures, or prolonged exposure to water.
- Viral Nail Infections
Certain viral infections, such as those caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), can lead to warts around or under the nails. These growths may cause discomfort, deformity, or difficulty in trimming the nails. Nail warts are often stubborn and may require treatments like cryotherapy, laser therapy, or topical medications.
- Yeast Infections of the Nails
Yeast infections, primarily caused by Candida species, affect both the nail and surrounding skin. These infections are more common in individuals who have frequent hand exposure to water, diabetes, or weakened immune function. They can lead to thickened, discoloured, and brittle nails, often accompanied by inflammation and pain in the surrounding nail folds.

Tips to Keep Your Nails Healthy:
- Trim nails regularly
- Moisturise nails and cuticles
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet
- Avoid nail biting and using nails as tools
- Protect nails from excessive water and harsh chemicals
- Check nails for changes
- Following these simple steps can help maintain strong, healthy nails and prevent common nail-related issues.